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Set of weekly School Newsletters

St. Henry School Newsletter

March 7, 2008

“A clean heart create for me,

O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.”

Psalm 51: 12

Since we have been having some pitched Penny War battles these days, I thought I should share some of the insights we gained from Mr. Greg Darr, the Maryknoll lay missioner who was here a week or so ago. He asked five children to represent the five strata of the haves and have-nots in our world. The top economic fifth are people like us in the US, some of the western European nations, Japan, and similar countries. The second child represented the second fifth “well off” group of people in the world like those perhaps in South Korea and some of the eastern European nations, etc. The third child the middle level, the fourth the second poorest stratum of people in the world, and the fifth child symbolized the most desperately poor in our world, like the people he served in Kenya or those in Bangladesh. Then he had a package of M & M’s which he said typically contained about 100 pieces of candy. If the candies were thought of as all the material goods and resources of the world he asked, “Ideally, how should they be distributed among the five children/the five groups of people in the world?” Our math scholars knew that twenty each would be fair. He said, “How true but let me show you how it actually is in our world today.” He then proceeded to give ONE M & M to the fifth child, two to the fourth, four to the middle student, ten to the second, and 83 to the one representing the US and similar nations! A huge if sad lesson in itself. However, there was a wonderful sequel to that truth. He then told us about a well recognized study done by the prestigious London School of Economics a number of years ago. Their goal was to find out how much of this world’s goods were needed to assure human happiness. They surveyed people from 120 countries. The US citizenry came in about #47 on the happiness scale while the super poor people of Bangladesh came in #ONE on the happiness scale. He wondered why. One of our astute fourth grade girls guessed that they had good families that really loved one another. He agreed: they didn’t let their happiness depend on things/possessions. Makes one think of Jesus’ words in Luke 6:21: “Blessed are you poor; the reign of God is yours.” On the other hand, he—Jesus--is not excusing us from our part in relieving their very real suffering. In Jesus’ Last Judgment picture in Matthew he warns: “Out of my sight, you condemned. . . . I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and gave me no drink. I was away from home and you gave me no welcome . . .” Given that, may we end our Penny War this Tuesday on behalf of the poor in Ghana with a bang! God bless all those children (and Moms and Dads) who are being so generous.

We actually have already gotten word about Watertown’s annual summer school! It will run from June 25th through July 23rd with July 4th off, of course. Forms should be available before we have off for spring break. There is an Early Bird registration, which gives you the best chance of getting your children into the “popular” classes. That will be on Saturday, April 5th from 8-12 at Lincoln School. I really do encourage you to look at the offerings. There are many fun and interesting classes for children to enjoy. Great time to take those sewing, shop, and exploratory type classes that a vigorous academic curriculum like ours that includes religious studies doesn’t have time for during the regular school year.

A plea to parents. Please never excuse a child from a class field trip because the child says he or she doesn’t want to participate. We try very hard to choose activities that either support what we are already teaching or ones that will broaden a youngster’s horizons--worthwhile goals. If money is a problem, please contact me. We’ll figure something out. If there is a reason related to health or psychological well being, please give the teacher or me a call. Just please never go along with the “I don’t like that kind of music, etc.” excuse. Many valuable learning experiences take both repeated exposure and education. It’s hard to learn too much about the true and the good and the beautiful in the world.

WE ARE CALLED TO CARE FOR OTHERS

Recently St. Henry students had the opportunity to learn more about other people in the world through the Columban Missionaries’ school program. Sixth graders focused on poverty. They learned more about what poverty really is and about some of the effects it has on people. They had the opportunity to think about how they would feel if their families lost everything they owned and had to struggle just to survive each day. Focusing in a different way on the issues faced by so many people throughout the world gave them a better perspective on what we, as followers of Christ, are called to do to care for others.

Fifth grade social studies students have started an exciting simulation activity to help them learn about the American Revolution. Students have been placed into groups of Patriots, Loyalists, and Undecided Citizens and have each developed a character to “play.” Throughout the simulation they will learn about some important events during the Revolutionary War and will be making decisions based on what they think their characters would have done. By participating in this activity, students will have a better understanding of what men, women and children who lived in the 1770’s and 1780’s went through in the formation of our country and why we are so proud of our American forefathers.

God Bless!

Miss Boettcher

PRESCHOOL NEWS

There is an old saying that if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb. Boy what a fierce lion it’s been. The preschoolers are anxiously waiting for spring and Easter. We are learning all about Lent and why we at this time give up something important to us because Jesus gave up his life for us.

Jedi’s, jellybeans, orange, Jesus, and yarn are a few of the show-n-share items that were brought in this week. Our new letters are obviously j, o, and y. The children will be making books, cutouts, paintings and of course an octopus to learn our new letters.

We will have a visit from officer Dave Gilbert on March 18th. He has a wonderful safety program with a character named Charlie Check First. The theory is to check first before you go anywhere with anyone! We will also have a nurse go over a poison prevention program. Watch for Mister Yuk stickers to use at home. Both of our visitors will go over situations and simple rules to help the youngsters stay safe this spring, summer and always. Happy (almost) spring!

Mrs. Kemp

Dates to Mark on Your Calendar

MARCH

Sunday 09 First Communion parents mtg. following 8:30 am Mass.

Contact Mr. Weissenborn at 261-6332 if UNable to attend.

Monday 10 Grade Seven’s annual mythology play in PC at 12:45 pm.

HASA meeting in rectory hall at 6:30 pm.

Tuesday 11 FINAL day for Penny War contributions

Education Commission meeting in rectory hall at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday 12 Grade Two fills liturgical roles at 8:15 Mass

11:30 am EARLY DISMISSAL DAY

Thursday 13 St. Henry Dress Day

Reconciliation Service, Grades 2-8, 1:00 pm, Church

Friday 14 Grade Two to Golden Living for Stations with the elderly in the afternoon

Grades 1-8 visit Blessed Sacrament in am at various times and have

Stations at 2:30 pm.

Market Day

Wednesday 19 Grade Seven fills liturgical roles at 8:15 Mass

Play Group in PC, 9:30 – 11:00

Thursday 20 Holy Thursday

Misako Sensei begins her flight back to Japan!

(Please pray for a safe trip.)

Friday 21 Good Friday, NO SCHOOL, Spring break begins.

Monday 31 School resumes.

APRIL

Friday 04 HASA Family Dance, PC.

Saturday 05 Early Bird Summer School Registration at Lincoln School, 8-12.

Monday 07 Early 11:30 dismissal

Thursday 10 Spring Program

Friday 11 Last date for making reservations for the Dells St.

Henry SCHOOL Families weekend.

Third quarter report cards go home.

Memory verse for week of March 10-14

“Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” (cont. from last five weeks) Ps 51: 13

Reminder: Have you made your reservations for Mt. Olympus (Treasure Island) for St. Henry School Families Dells Weekend of May 16-18? Call 800-800-4997 and ask for Beth at extension 601. See October 5 newsletter for more information. Available in school section of parish website: sainthenryparish.org